A statement on its Facebook page read: “The club is saddened to hear of the death of Martin Clancy. Martin’s family have a strong link and tradition with the club with many of his brothers playing for us.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to the Clancy family at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

Gardai at Henry Street have launched a murder inquiry and have begun a trawl of CCTV in the area to catch the killer.

Forensic investigators also began their work as they hunt for clues in the apartment and on the street outside.

Gardai will also be asked to check their notebooks for sightings of well known criminals in the city centre.